With the opening of The Leaf Connection on Aug. 24, try this fun family-friendly activity with your kids using leaves you might encounter in your neighborhood.
Whenever you are out in nature, its exciting to see the different shapes and patterns that occur in the enviroment. Of the most diverse places to notice this, in leaves.
By combining both crayons and simple watercolor paints, you and your child can make a true work of art!
Materials Needed:
- Crayons with the paper peeled off
Tip: Soak your crayons in water for 30 minutes to make the paper easy to peel. - Watercolor paints
- Cup of water
- Paint brush
- White paper
Tip: Construction paper is best to hold the watercolor paint, without being too thick to get the detail of the leaf, but any white paper will work!
Step One
While on a walk, collect interesting leaves of varying shapes and sizes.
Step Two
When you get home place the leaves underneath one piece of white paper. Lay the crayon on its side and rub over the leaf. Hold the leaf steady while you rub so the impression comes out clear. Tip: Be sure to rub firmly with the crayon so plenty of color (and wax) sticks to the paper. This will repel the water from the watercolor paints and leave a brightly colored design in Step 3.
Step Three
Use watercolor paints to paint both inside and outside the leaf. Experiment with different colors. Try painting one color inside the leaf, and another color outside the leaf. Encourage your child to experiment with different color options — like a light leaf with dark paint and a dark leaf with light paints. When you are finished, trim the paper down to a square, add a border or design around the edge, or decorate it with pressed flowers to make it a masterpiece!
This is an activity from Desert Botanical Garden’s children education department. Explore more nature activities for kids and families here.
